formed the foundations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formed the foundations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the establishment or creation of fundamental principles, ideas, or structures in various contexts, such as history, education, or business. Example: "The early philosophers formed the foundations of modern science with their groundbreaking theories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

This body of knowledge formed the foundations of Sasai's work.

The Guardian

Thakoon Cherry blossom and birdcages, silk duchess satin and crêpe de Chine in abundance formed the foundations of an unashamedly romantic collection at the Thakoon spring 13 show.

Independent

It was the Mega Drive and SNES that formed the foundations of modern console game visuals (even in terms of 3D polygonal content – see Virtua Racing on the Mega Drive and Star Fox on the SNES).

The Guardian - Tech

"To my mum, who has always taken the brunt of my frustrations yet continues to keep our family so tight-knit, a trait that has formed the foundations of my own success.

BBC

These connections formed the foundations of the country's DIY scene that continue to this day.

Vice

As a central part of that compilation, The Art of War formed the foundations of orthodox military theory in early modern China.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This sentiment formed the foundation of Kyle's charitable philosophy.

The New Yorker

But the evidence is overwhelming that former Iraqi soldiers formed the foundation of the insurgency.

The New Yorker

He genuinely believed that freedom could not flourish unless biblical law formed the foundation of society.

The New Yorker

Those connections have proved important, but have not formed the foundation of his war chest.

The New York Times

They formed the foundation of a powerhouse firm with close ties to the Republican establishment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formed the foundations", ensure the context clearly indicates what was established or created as a result. This helps readers understand the significance of the foundations being discussed.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice with "formed the foundations". Instead of saying "The foundations were formed by…", opt for the active voice: "… formed the foundations". This makes your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formed the foundations" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of creating or establishing the fundamental principles, structures, or ideas upon which something is built. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formed the foundations" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that is employed to describe the establishment or creation of fundamental concepts, principles, or structures. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It is most frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts, and less common in more formal settings. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about what those foundations enable and avoid passive voice for stronger writing. Consider alternatives such as "laid the groundwork" or "established the basis" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laid the groundwork

This alternative emphasizes the preparatory actions taken before a structure or idea is built.

established the basis

This highlights the creation of a fundamental starting point or principle.

created the infrastructure

This suggests building the necessary supporting structures for something to function.

set the stage

This phrase implies preparing conditions to allow something to happen or develop.

provided the underpinnings

This indicates the provision of basic support or justification.

built the framework

This suggests creating a structural outline to guide further development.

paved the way

This implies making progress easier or possible for others.

originated the core

This highlights the creation of the most essential part of something.

initiated the principles

This phrase focuses on introducing the fundamental rules or beliefs.

engineered the substructure

This suggests designing and constructing a supporting base.

FAQs

How can I use "formed the foundations" in a sentence?

Use "formed the foundations" to indicate that something established the groundwork for future development. For example, "These early experiments "formed the foundations" of modern physics".

What's a good alternative to "formed the foundations"?

Alternatives include "laid the groundwork", "established the basis", or "created the infrastructure", depending on the specific context you're describing.

Is it better to say "formed the foundation" or "formed the foundations"?

Both phrases are correct, but "formed the foundations" suggests a more comprehensive or multifaceted base was established, while "formed the foundation" implies a singular, essential base was created.

What is the difference between ""established the basis"" and "formed the foundations"?

"Established the basis" often refers to setting up a logical or conceptual starting point. "Formed the foundations" usually implies a more tangible or structural creation that supports subsequent development.